The WACA Ground in Perth witnessed a tense opening day of the historic pink ball Test between Australia and India women. Batting first after losing the toss, India were bowled out for a modest 198, with teenage sensation Annabel Sutherland claiming a sensational 4/46 to swing momentum firmly towards the hosts.
Alyssa Healy’s decision to bowl first reaped rich rewards. Smriti Mandhana’s early exit for 4 left India reeling at 10/1. Prathika Raval’s aggressive 18, laced with three fours, ended in Sutherland’s grip. Shefali Verma built patiently to 35 but fell short of a big score.
Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion, crafting a composed half-century from 84 balls with seven fours, stabilizing the innings momentarily. However, support was scarce: Harmanpreet Kaur scratched around for 19, Deepti Sharma for 7, and Richa Ghosh labored to 11 off 41 balls.
Lower down, Sneha Rana (5), Kranti Gaud (1), and Sayali Satghare (7) offered scant resistance. Kasvi Gautam remained not out on 34 from 54 balls, but the damage was done. Australia’s bowlers exploited the lively pitch to perfection – Lucy Hamilton grabbed 3/31, Darcy Brown 2, and Ashley Gardner dismissed Ghosh.
As pink ball Test cricket returns to women’s game, India’s first-innings total leaves them battling to stay competitive. Australia, buoyed by Sutherland’s heroics, will look to build a substantial lead on day one evening.